Stroke Awareness in New Zealand Communities

850 Aucklanders aged 16 and over took part in this study.

We selected a range of participants so that overall those surveyed closely represented the demographic characteristics of the adult populationin Auckland; characteristics we used to do this included age, ethnicity, and level of formal educational achievement. 

How did we know what the Auckland population looked like at the time of the study?

Statistics New Zealand undertake a nationwide population count every 5 years. This national census measures how many people and dwellings there are in New Zealand, and takes a snapshot of all people in New Zealand at that time and the places where they live. 

Data is collected about items such as age, ethnicity, income, sex, religion, smoking behaviour, where we live, how many people we live with, transport and communication, volunteer activities, and many other things. 

We used some of the basic information from the NZ Census (age, sex, ethnicity, and level of educational achievement), to identify the demographic characteristics of the wider Auckland population. 

More information on the New Zealand population, as collected in the 2013 census, can be found on the Statistics NZ website.

A stroke involves both blood and the brain. It is caused by a sudden interruption of blood flow to a part of the brain⁴. The affected part of the brain stops functioning and eventually becomes damaged. 

In our study we found that less than half of participants correctly identified blood and the brain as the two main components involved in a stroke.

Stoke knowledge varied by education

We were interested to find out whether people knew that stroke involves both blood and the brain.

Overall, only 42.7% of respondents identified stroke as involving both blood and the brain. People who had attended university were more likely to know this, but even so, only half of university graduates were aware of the components of a stroke.

This number of people who were aware that stroke involved both blood and the brain was lower for individuals with no formal education, only secondary education, or with vocational education qualifications.

In the graphic on the right, the blue figures represent the percentage of participants from each level of eductional attainment that correctly identified both blood and the brain as components of stroke. 

Our data suggests that stroke awareness campaigns that targetted younger people (before they finish schooling) would increase the overall stroke awareness of the New Zealand public.

Stroke knowledge also varied by ethnicity

Using the standard categories provided in the New Zealand Census, study participants were placed in one of the following ethnic categories (based on the category they told us they identified most strongly with): European, Māori, Asian, Pacific, and Middle Eastern/Latin American/African.

The green figures show the percentage of people in each category who correctly identify both blood and the brain as components of stroke. For example, 23% of participants in our study who identified as Asian told us that stroke involves both blood and the brain; this means that 77% did not know that stroke involved both blood and the brain.

Our study showed that we need to improve stroke knowledge in the general New Zealand public. There is also a need for stroke awareness campaigns specifically designed to conect with the different ethnic groups in New Zealand. A current example is the Stroke Foundation’s programme focussing on stroke awareness in Pacific populations in New Zealand⁵.

What risk factors did our participants know about?

Some risk factors, such as smoking and poor diet, were better known than others, such as diabetes. However, more than half of the people who participated in the survey did not name any risk factors.

Our data indicate a serious need for stroke awareness campaigns to help New Zealanders become more aware about factors that increase the risk of stroke.

F.A.S.T is the internationally used checklist for recognising stroke.

FACE  |   ARMS  |  SPEECH  |  TIME

The checklist:

* Is one side of their FACE drooping?

* Can they only keep one ARM raised?

* Is their SPEECH slurred or jumbled?

* If so, it is TIME TO CALL 111.

Most people in our survey knew that contacting emergency services as soon as possible is critical for someone having a stroke.

However, not very many participants in our survey were familiar with all four components of F.A.S.T.

• 1.7% identified 4 components (i.e. F.A.S.T),
• 11.5% identified 3 components,
• 31.6% identified 2 components,
• 41.8% identified 1 component,
• 13.4% identified 0 components.

Our results tell us that Aucklanders know to react quickly when someone is having a stroke, but many do not know how to identify if someone is having a stroke.

A copy of the full article can be read here, or on the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease website.

Who are we?

The Liggins Education Network for Science (LENScience) provides schools with access to scientific research communities promoting connections between schools and scientists. Innovative programmes are designed to inspire schools and scientists to maximise student potential and understanding of science and health issues through a wide range of learning opportunities for students, teachers, and families.

The Centre for Brain Research (CBR) at the University of Auckland is a unique partnership between scientists, doctors and the community. Working together in the laboratory, clinic, whānau, and community, CBR works to provide a brighter and better future for people and families living with brain disease.